Festival working in tandem with island's racing events
By Fei Lai |
May 20, 2012, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
BEAUTIFUL scenery has made Chongming a popular location for international cycling races, and to coincide with events the island recently held a five-day carnival at Chongming Xincheng Park.
Taking "Green Chongming, Carnival Zero" as the theme, the gathering celebrated a low-carbon lifestyle - exemplified by healthy, environmentally friendly cycling - consolidating the local government's focus on combining cycling events with low-carbon tourism.
"Green has become the namecard of Chongming, and this is a celebration of cycling and fun on the peaceful island," said Zhang Lixin, director of Chongming County Tourism Bureau.
"Cycling races are becoming increasingly popular in the county, inspiring more people to embrace a green and healthy lifestyle."
The 7,000 square-meter carnival area was divided into zones for activities, entertainment and performances, creative exhibitions, food and cultural experiences and attracted 150 exhibitors.
On the main stage, performances such as Chongming folk songs, acrobatics and sports dancing drew the biggest crowds.
Chongming folk songs, tales of farming life that have been passed down orally for 1,300 years, drew the biggest applause.
Appropriately, cycling and bike-related activities took central stage at the carnival, where visitors could watch motocross stunts or even have a go - though aiming to be the slowest to complete the 20-meter "reverse race" without falling off. Cycling brands also took the opportunity to exhibit their bike culture and products.
No carnival is complete without tasty food and visitors enjoyed authentic local snacks made with the freshest natural ingredients, plus delicacies from other areas.
Others visitors went to sample the fare at small family restaurants dotted around the island. Chongming's most famous dishes include white beans and sweetsorghum.
Some stall assistants got into the carnival spirit, dancing along to music while selling snacks.
"It's really interesting here - you can enjoy Uygur folk dances while eating a kabob," said Xing Gan, a festivalgoer from downtown Shanghai. "I'm really enjoying myself, experiencing folk culture and modern sport."
Chongming County officials say their island offers an unrivalled recreational cycling experience in the area - its winding roads and fine scenery making it ideal for cyclists.
Yimi Bicycle Rental, a local travel agent with a focus on cycling tours, offers around 300 bicycles at Xincheng Park, including regular bikes, children's bikes, mountain bikes and tandems.
Shi Yong, its founder, believes that cycling is a significant development in Chongming tourism.
"Cycling tours also boost the development of accommodation and dining services in the county," Shi said. "Meanwhile, it offers visitors an opportunity to have an in-depth tour around the eco-island."
There are plenty of scenic stops for cycling tourists who want to get away to the countryside. These include Dongping Forest Park, Xisha Wetland and the Yangtze River embankment.
Many visitors choose to stay overnight at inns, small hotels and family farmhouses.
Taking "Green Chongming, Carnival Zero" as the theme, the gathering celebrated a low-carbon lifestyle - exemplified by healthy, environmentally friendly cycling - consolidating the local government's focus on combining cycling events with low-carbon tourism.
"Green has become the namecard of Chongming, and this is a celebration of cycling and fun on the peaceful island," said Zhang Lixin, director of Chongming County Tourism Bureau.
"Cycling races are becoming increasingly popular in the county, inspiring more people to embrace a green and healthy lifestyle."
The 7,000 square-meter carnival area was divided into zones for activities, entertainment and performances, creative exhibitions, food and cultural experiences and attracted 150 exhibitors.
On the main stage, performances such as Chongming folk songs, acrobatics and sports dancing drew the biggest crowds.
Chongming folk songs, tales of farming life that have been passed down orally for 1,300 years, drew the biggest applause.
Appropriately, cycling and bike-related activities took central stage at the carnival, where visitors could watch motocross stunts or even have a go - though aiming to be the slowest to complete the 20-meter "reverse race" without falling off. Cycling brands also took the opportunity to exhibit their bike culture and products.
No carnival is complete without tasty food and visitors enjoyed authentic local snacks made with the freshest natural ingredients, plus delicacies from other areas.
Others visitors went to sample the fare at small family restaurants dotted around the island. Chongming's most famous dishes include white beans and sweetsorghum.
Some stall assistants got into the carnival spirit, dancing along to music while selling snacks.
"It's really interesting here - you can enjoy Uygur folk dances while eating a kabob," said Xing Gan, a festivalgoer from downtown Shanghai. "I'm really enjoying myself, experiencing folk culture and modern sport."
Chongming County officials say their island offers an unrivalled recreational cycling experience in the area - its winding roads and fine scenery making it ideal for cyclists.
Yimi Bicycle Rental, a local travel agent with a focus on cycling tours, offers around 300 bicycles at Xincheng Park, including regular bikes, children's bikes, mountain bikes and tandems.
Shi Yong, its founder, believes that cycling is a significant development in Chongming tourism.
"Cycling tours also boost the development of accommodation and dining services in the county," Shi said. "Meanwhile, it offers visitors an opportunity to have an in-depth tour around the eco-island."
There are plenty of scenic stops for cycling tourists who want to get away to the countryside. These include Dongping Forest Park, Xisha Wetland and the Yangtze River embankment.
Many visitors choose to stay overnight at inns, small hotels and family farmhouses.
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